Dordogne Village Church Forced to Close After Vandalism and Theft
The Church of Saint-Martin was forced to close for one day after acts of theft and vandalism. The doors were forced open, the donation trunk was broken into, furniture was damaged, candles were deliberately scattered and burned on the floor, leaving marks and creating a potential fire hazard, and graffiti was found inside the church.
The Church of Saint-Martin in Badefols-d’Ans (Dordogne) was forced to close for one day after being targeted by acts of vandalism and theft that shocked the small rural community. Unknown individuals forced open the doors of the church and entered the building, where they committed multiple acts of damage inside the sacred space.
Candles were deliberately scattered and burned on the floor, leaving marks and creating a potential fire hazard. Interior furnishings were disturbed, and graffiti—including first names—was written on a wall at the back of the church. The donation trunk was also broken into.
Although no major liturgical objects were reported stolen, the desecration of the interior and the damage caused prompted the mayor to order the church’s temporary closure for one day. "I don't understand why people come to steal objects from a holy place".- the major said.
Source: CNews
Photo: Wikipedia